Thanks,
As it happens, I have not shot the gun (its a double 12 bore now converted to percussion) as I'm not a muzzle loader, but the relative I inherited it from did use it regularly (he shot grouse over a pointer with it). I have had it checked by a 'muzzle loading wise' gunsmith, who pronounced it in fine shooting condition, and it is on my certificate as a gun (rather than being treated as a wall piece). As a family piece, I don't think it will be sold in my time!
Thanks for the advice and it won't be me funding the 'test case'!
